For the others, I would recommend overnighting in one of the national parks (or nearby), simply because there is so much to see and do, although you can drive straight through and still enjoy the routes. We are travelling in May 2014 Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 25 replies It's also a great alternative to driving directly back from Las Vegas to Los Angeles if you've already been there for a visit. Visiting the Huntington (Gardens + Library + Art Museum) near Pasadena, California, 22 Best Things to Do in Sequoia National Park (+ Tips for Visiting! But whether or not you agree with the artist, it is hard not to be moved by their imposing presence. Andrea Bennet. If tracing the old route through the Chicago suburbs sounds a little intimidating, simply stick with I-55 all the way into Chicago, merging on to US-41 towards Grant Park before turning onto E Jackson Drive to find the famous Route 66 sign. The proposed high-speed rail connecting Las Vegas and Southern California will get a $25 million grant for two new train stations. For hiking enthusiasts, the most popular trail is the one leading to Teutonia Peak, the highest point of the Cima Dome. Stop #6 Driving To Vegas From LA - Bonnie & Clyde's Death Car. You can follow another section of old Route 66 from here, initially marked out as OK-66, but after it passes through Vinita and Afton you'll have to work a little harder to stick to the original route which visits Miami and Baxter Springs. U.S. Route 66 or U.S. Highway 66 (US 66 or Route 66) was one of the original highways in the United States Numbered Highway System.It was established on November 11, 1926, with road signs erected the following year. (english), Netherlands Its a fun motel, its been around since the late 40s and if you have kids (or youre a big kid like me) youll be sure it reminds you of a Radiator Springs location from Cars! If you're driving, the exact route you take will depend on where you start in the Los Angeles area. Discover our articles on California towns and cities, national and state parks, beaches and other natural areas, and cultural and historic landmarks. And if you'd like to immortalize your visit to the region, make a stop at the graffiti corridor on your way out ofAmboy, where hundreds of travellers have left their mark by tagging their name or hanging their shoes! Drive Whitney Portal Road to the higher reaches of Mount Whitney for spectacular views if you visit when the road is open. Customize the tour to your interests with optional tours and activities during your free time. The Emma Jean Holland Burger Cafe serves unpretentious American fare in an authentic atmosphere. Nearby in San Bernardino youll also find the first original McDonalds which is now a museum and tells the story of how the small restaurant turned into one of the worlds biggest brands. Alaska Airlines added new flights from Las Vegas to Puerto Vallarta and to Cabo San Lucas. You can also venture out of town to Sandia Peak Tramway, a cable car that takes you up to the top of the mountain to enjoy impressive views. Hike the trail to the Mobius Arch, another fabulous photo spot. Here are some of the highlights to help you get into the spirit of planning your Route 66 adventure. June 15, 2023. Los Angeles, CA (Miles:124, Kilometers:200) . Heres the best way to drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas via Route 66, from the best routes to the cant-miss natural landscapes and roadside attraction sites. Explore the trails that lead up and into the crater for stunning views of the Mojave Desert from a height of more than 460 metres. You will also find the Wigwam Motel here (one of three that remain of the original seven): you can even spend the night at the motel! Los Angeles to Las Vegas Road Trip Route: Driving Time 7 Hours and 33 Minutes: Distance: 428 miles: One way Rental from LA to Vegas. The original road no longer exists unbroken, but as a road trip the route holds strong. If you'd like to continue your journey, see our Guide to Route 66 from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. A must-see stop for any family trip to the American West. The world's greatest designers have their storefronts here. Your last stop in the area is Elmers Bottle Tree Ranch. Joshua Tree Town, CA: The quirky town of Joshua Tree makes the perfect base from which to explore the national park, if you arent camping. While you can view the two enormous dinosaurs (Dinny and Mr. Rex) for free, for a fee you can go inside Mr. Rex. 9. Here are the highlights and must-stop spots on this LA to Vegas drive: Pasadena, CA: Pasadena is a gracious Southern California city, with lots of great architecture to admire, and a lively Old Town, with numerous eateries and museums. Whether it's for the gift shop selling 1950s memorabilia or for a good old cheeseburger, it's well worth a stop. Start your visit with a stop at the Kelso Depot Visitor Center. Thank you Dhara we were in Ojai going to vegas and returning to lax over 5 days. Take the first right turn to begin your drive across the preserve, then keep right again to follow Morning Star Mine Road. By continuing to browse this site, you accept cookies. For a limited time, introductory fares for flights . In California, the museum is in Victorville. Today, these objects form distinct colourful universes, and the wind blowing through them creates a gentle melody. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. (see more). While it doesnt cover much of the Mother Road, our Sturgis Tour also starts and finishes in Vegas with stops in between at natural attractions like the Rocky Mountains and South Dakota Black Hills, plus, of course, a trip to the famous motorcycle rally that gives this tour its name. A Los Angeles to Las Vegas road trip can be done via one of multiple routes, and weve picked four epic itineraries to share in this article, with descriptions of the best stops on each drive. I think we will return Joshua tree and Palm Springs after Grand Canyon ! The huge collection of glass bottles is displayed on tree-like structures, making for great photo ops. The main street through the city will serve as your point of reference. If you have booked something non refundable it might be the only way youll get money back if your plans change. It has a large Railroad station which is worth checking out and there are some old trains and cabooses outside. The Pacific Time Zone in California. She hopes to share her love of the Golden State with you, and help you find your own exciting experiences here. For those who love culture, classic cinema or fun with a touch of the morbid, Hollywood Forever is a destination like no other. (franais), USA This motel will make you feel like you've stepped back into the 1950s with its Wild West ambiance, vintage cars, and memorabilia from the glory days of Route 66. You'll get a warm welcome from the friendly staff, who make sure that baked goods are available for guests each day to kick-start your morning. The famed Death Valley is another natural wonder thats not actually on Route 66 but can be added on the way to Las Vegas depending on when you decide to start your detour. (franais), USA @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-loston66_com-large-leaderboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'loston66_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_2',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-loston66_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Barstow is the last big town before getting to Las Vegas and our last stop on Route 66. Well you can make a day of it, visit some classic and iconic spots on the way and make some memories! Here are the highlights and must-stop spots on this Los Angeles to Las Vegas drive: Pasadena, CA: While Pasadena has many sights to keep you engaged, from museums to gardens, it is also home to some iconic Route 66 attractions. Calico Ghost Town. Allow enough time to enjoy the sights along the route, from the quirky and outlandish to the naturally scenic and magnificent. Lunch Break @ Emma Jean's Diner Drive To Las Vegas. Since you will enter Death Valley National Park from the west, you have the option to explore the less-visited western parts of Death Valley National Park on this itinerary, depending on your interests and how much time you have for your trip. Head through Amarillo and then on to Oklahoma City, where you'll finally leave I-40, turning onto I-44 towards Tulsa. It could be driven in one day, and I have a small itinerary for you below, but if you want to enjoy what Route 66 has to offer then I definitely encourage you to take a little longer, 2 or 3 days and enjoy some Route 66 towns to the fullest. Although the most popular time to travel along Route 66 is probably the summer, we'd suggest that this is a trip that's probably best enjoyed in spring or fall. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to pay it a visit, or even stay there! Take in the views from Zabriskie Point, the top viewpoint in the park, and drive up to Dantes View, from where you can see the entire valley spread out below you. Near Highway 15, you'll pass one of the few Route 66 museums . You can go down US-93 to Kingman or you can go down US-95 and meet up with Route 66 at Goffs Road. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Route 66 Towns, CA: Between Pasadena and San Bernadino, you can tour some of the small towns that were built along Route 66. You'll be able to stop at old small towns with a long Route 66 heritage, and old trading posts which have retained a vintage look and feel. If you don't have time for such an epic drive, you can still drive part of the old Route 66 from Las Vegas if you head west to the coast at Santa Monica. An overnight stay is optional if you're heading to Santa Monica, as you can cover the distance in a day, but there are some great options to choose from if you're planning on taking a few days to complete the trip. Pro Tip: If you have the time, and you are doing this drive in the cooler months, the Teutonia Peak Trail in the Mojave National Preserve takes you past the densest stand of Joshua trees on the planet, en route to magnificent desert vistas from the top. When I said it doesn't get much more American than Pasadena, I lied a bit. Drive Movie Road, a picture-perfect dirt road through the Alabama Hills. But fun, especially for kids. You can't miss it: it's a glass forest in the middle of the desert, surrounded by barbed wire. Hi Frank, you can certainly do the first route option in one day, with brief stops en route at the places Ive suggested. Many desert attractions look spectacular at sunrise and sunset, or at night. Youll get some spectacular desert and mountain views on the way. History buffs can relish a historic ghost town or two, while hikers can take in views of the Amboy crater, notable for its symmetrical volcanic cinder cone. Now you have to cross the bustling city of Los Angeles. It's really a great city to choose for a day trip along Route 66 because you can see so much of the classic road, neon signs, cute diners, wide open spaces and even a national park to enjoy. Has anyone done it? Hi! Day 12: Laughlin, NV - Las Vegas, NV (Miles:129 . 25 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in California (+ Map!). Nicknamed the Mother Road, it had its heyday in the 1950s and 60s, when thousands of Americans on holiday drove it en route to the Grand Canyon or Disneyland. Your last stop is the Amboy Crater. Barstow is a popular place to spend the night. Always fill up your gas tank at the start of the trip, and before you enter the desert, and be aware of where the next gas station is located along your chosen route. This adds up to a 30-hour journey, covering 1,990 miles. If you're driving to Vegas from Los Angeles then you can take Route 66 part of the way. Our Route 66 Express Tour actually begins in Sin City, before connecting to the historic route with a two-hour drive south through the Mojave Desert. 2023 Update: The installation is still at its location near Vegas, and the producers are reportedly working on a multi-year lease extension. Lines can get pretty long at these times! Our one day Death Valley National Park itinerary will help you plan your day in the park. Road Trip to Vegas: Los Angeles to Las Vegas | Golden Gate Hotel Flexible Date Apr 14, 2023 Apr 15, 2023 # Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival 29 Departure Arrival 30 Departure Arrival 31 Departure Arrival 1 Departure Arrival 2 Departure Arrival 3 Departure Arrival 4 Departure Arrival 5 Departure Arrival 6 Departure read more Do I need insurance for traveling Route 66? At the end of the pier you'll find the iconic Pacific Park, known for its classic carnival rides and funfair atmosphere! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you're spending a little longer in the city, head across to Anaheim to visit the original Walt Disney World Resort, where you can enjoy more than 50 rides as well as watching the spectacular parades and fireworks. The Howard Motor Company Building is another building you must not miss: it is built in an ornate Spanish style of architecture. When it comes to temperatures, Chicago is cooler than California, but still reaches a respectable 70 degrees by May. Take the section from Victorville to Barstow to glimpse retro diners, vintage gas stations, antique shops, burger joints and even an ostrich farm. Follow I-15 south out of Las Vegas then, after crossing into California, exit onto Nipton Road which runs along the northern side of Mojave National Preserve. As you travel from Nevada, see Hoover Dam, Route 66 and Grand Canyon Railway. Spectacular. He wanted his creation to be the last word in the English language, hence the quirky name. The distance between Las Vegas to Los Angeles is about 270 miles and it takes about 5 hours drive but we will drive slowly and stop from time to time to enjoy the environment in detail . The installation is currently scheduled to stay at its current spot until the end of 2021. 11 DAY ITINERARY 12 DAY ITINERARY DEALS AND SPECIALS EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT PASSENGERS RIDE FREE Our RideFree experience was an adventure of epic proportions. YES! There's no better way to get a taste for U.S. tradition and road trip lore than along this much-loved byway. Its a great spot for photography, and the road from Yucca Valley to Pioneertown is very scenic. After your epic journey across the desert, allow yourself to indulge in the opulence! Theres nothing in the world quite like the Vegas strip. This trip can be reversed if you are traveling Las Vegas to Los Angeles. A high-speed train to Los Angeles is on the horizon, but until then, drive-in travelers will need to game the I-15 to beat traffic. Much of the road trip route between LA and Las Vegas is desert. Read on to find out what awaits you on this epic journey. Kitschy? If you plan to drive dirt roads in Death Valley National Park, or the Mojave National Preserve, consider renting a 4WD high-clearance vehicle. Route 66 Ghost Towns, CA: Between Barstow and Amboy, you will find several little ghost towns, with interesting ruins to photograph. We're also increasing our service to Mexico with new routes between Las Vegas and both Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. 85. (franais), Other countries Im planning a trip to LV from OC next week and needed to work in some leg-stretching stops! This is a much shorter part of the Route 66 route so you might not feel like you've really experienced the legendary highway, but if you have limited time, it's still a fantastic drive that takes you along parts of the historic highway. After leaving the preserve, your next stop will be Baker. Its great downtown location means you'll have several bars and restaurants to choose from nearby before heading back for a great night's sleep. When you walk Mane Street, you will feel like you are in a Western! While not on Route 66 itself, we at Route 66 Tours love Las Vegas and make it a key part of many of our tour itineraries. Highlights include the Caesars Paris Hotel and Eiffel Tower Experience, The Bellagio Resort and the New York-New York Hotel, featuring a replica of the Empire State Building. Azusa has the Foothills Drive-In Theatre, Upland has a historic McDonalds Golden Arches building from the 1950s, and Rancho Cucamonga has a beautiful yellow gas station. Last stop before the final stretch to Las Vegas: Zzyzx Road. Follow the old Route 66 west to visit Amboy and admire the spectacular Amboy Crater, then join the interstate which will take you as far as Barstow. The name was invented by Curtis Howe Springer, a radio evangelist and self-proclaimed medicine man with an oversized ego. Its an epic drive, whichever route you choose. Since both LA and Vegas are cant-go-wrong city destinations in the USA, international travelers that arrive at either airport can conveniently pick up a rental car and drive the iconic route between LA and Vegas. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. All four new international routes begin flying in mid-December. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. All along Route 66, you will find museums telling the history of the famous road. On the other hand, you can drive the Santa Monica Route from Las Vegas in a single day. Another bonus of El Vado Motel is that it's located right on Route 66, plus it has free parking. After a short diversion onto 55th Street - you can follow it through McCook, Lyons and Cicero. (english), Belgique Its economy boomed in the late 1800s, but the town was completely abandoned by 1907 after the price of silver dropped. If youre looking for interesting stops between Las Vegas and Los Angeles here are some to consider. These will be the new itineraries: From Los Angeles to Nassau: The service will begin on December 15 until April 9, 2024 and will serve travelers four times a week. (english), Suisse Road Trip From San Francisco To Las Vegas, Road Trip From Los Angeles To Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, El Vado Motel has been welcoming travelers driving the route since 1937, The Metric - Los Angeles Downtown has a striking modern design, CitizenM Chicago is a great choice for the end of the epic drive. Fancy visiting a resort in the middle of the desert? Big Sur Road Trip: Best Stops on a Scenic California Coast Adventure! . Between 1st and 7th Avenue, you'll find the Main Street Murals, a series of some thirty murals, painted to revitalize the city while telling its history! The ideal way to drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas while incorporating the historic Route 66 is to start on the Mother Road and then cut north near either Mojave National Preserve or, for maximum time on the route, to go directly from the Arizona Nevada and California borders, near Needles, California. After this refreshing detour, resume your route to Victorville. The Santa Monica Route is only 380 miles long, and you can cover the whole distance in just 6 hours and 20 minutes. Its worth pulling in and getting some photos of this place. Nowadays, you'll find everything from snacks to space-themed souvenirs, and a few otherworldly surprises! Continue with Recommended Cookies. Even if youll be enjoying your Death Valley experience largely from the confines of an air-conditioned car, be sure to bring extra water in case of car trouble. Check availability and book your rental car now! Is this do able? 18 Beautiful Botanical Gardens in California You Have to Visit! Furnace Creek also has the Visitor Center, and lodging if you plan to stay in Death Valley National Park. Park up and enjoy the views of the Pacific and check out the sign on the pier for a photo opportunity. Once you get on it, I-15 will take you . Where should we stop for toilet breaks and refreshments? Spring and fall see more moderate weather all along the route so they're the ideal time to travel Route 66. And if you drive? Summers can get brutally hot, and if you do plan to do the LA-Vegas road trip in the warmer months, plan on remaining inside your air-conditioned vehicle for the bulk of the drive, only getting down for quick photo stops if you must. The Golden State is a world-renowned travel destination, and our articles will hopefully inspire you to explore it in depth. Much of it is wilderness, but the road through Kelso and Cima to Vegas is deemed passable for sedans. Its a classic Mom and Pop establishment with a sign just like the one in Amboy (a bit too much of a detour for us today)@media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-loston66_com-leader-1-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'loston66_com-leader-1','ezslot_5',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-loston66_com-leader-1-0'); We leave Route 66 at Barstow and our final stretch takes us through the Mojave Desert all the way to Las Vegas. From Cima the run roads parallel to the railroad track as far as Kelso Depot, where you should turn left onto Kelbaker Road which takes you out of Mojave National Preserve then continues south to join up with CA-66. I must admit, at first sight, it's not the most welcoming place. If you want to get out and explore at the various stops (and we think you should! Where should we stop for toilet breaks and refreshments? Rooms here are comfortable and well-equipped, and as it's located in downtown Chicago, you can head out to enjoy all of the city's attractions during your stay. Today, depart the man-made phenomenon of Las Vegas and cross the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains en route to Los Angeles. 11 Epic California Road Trips for Your Golden State Itinerary! You can take a self-guided tour of the complex. Lets get this out of the way first: Historic Route 66 does not actually go through Las Vegas. With the guidance of Wil and strategic planning, we managed to do a self-guided tour from LA to Yosemite National park, . TPC River Highlands is known for yielding low scores; it is the course where Jim Furyk's . You'll be surprised by the natural symmetry of this 6,000-year-old volcanic remnant. I always recommend people take travel insurance even when travelling domestically! Planning an LA to Vegas drive? Pro Tip: If you have more time and are up for a longer drive, you can start in Santa Monica and follow Route 66 in California all the way to Needles on the border with Arizona, before heading north to Vegas. . I invite you to discover one of its lesser-known sections, which holds many surprises just like the rest of this mythical road! Mojave National Preserve, CA: The Mojave National Preserve is huge: about 1.6 million acres. San Bernadino, CA: San Bernadino has a number of sights that will delight the Route 66 enthusiast. Peggy Sue's diner is a Route 66 institution. While no longer in use, it remains a popular photo spot for visitors in search of the last relics of a bygone time. Both are known for their bright lights and lively nightlife. A pedestrian-only section includes an area covered in neon lights, as well as a variety of neon-lit hotels, clubs and shops. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-loston66_com-banner-1-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'loston66_com-banner-1','ezslot_1',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-loston66_com-banner-1-0'); A guide book can really help you to make sure you dont miss anything in this area I like the Route 66 Adventure Handbook. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. (english), Canada